Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan over low heat, heat ⅓ cup (80 ml) water and the coconut milk to just warm, then remove from heat. Add yeast, 2 tbsp (30 ml) sugar and 2 tbsp (30 ml) vegetable oil. Mix to combine and let sit for 8 minutes, until the yeast has bloomed. (If it doesn’t bloom, the yeast is inactive and you’ll have to discard it and try with new yeast.)
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder and ¼ tsp (1 ml) salt. Add yeast mixture and mix to combine. Transfer dough to a clean, dry, lightly floured surface. Knead for 4 minutes, until soft and bouncy.
3. Coat the inside of a clean large bowl with 1 tbsp (15 ml) vegetable oil. Place dough in bowl and cover top of bowl with tightly wrapped plastic wrap. Cover with a tea towel and place somewhere warm to rise for 2 hours.
4. In a small saucepan, bring vinegar, ⅔ cup (160 ml) water and remaining 1 tbsp (15 ml) sugar and 1 tsp (5 ml) salt to a boil. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
5. In a large mixing bowl, combine cabbage and onions. Pour vinegar mixture overtop and allow to sit at room temperature for 1 hour, mixing occasionally. Cover and store in refrigerator until ready to use.
6. Place jackfruit pieces on a cutting board. Using a small paring knife, remove any cores from jackfruit.
7. In a saucepan over medium-high heat, bring 4 cups (1 L) water to a boil. Add jackfruit and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, until soft. Strain the jackfruit and place onto a clean cutting board. Using a fork, press down on each piece of jackfruit until a shredded pulled-pork-like texture.
8. In a medium skillet over medium heat, heat grapeseed oil. Add jackfruit and sauté for 5 to 7 minutes, until slightly browned.
9. In a small mixing bowl, mix garlic, ginger paste, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, soy sauce and remaining 2 tbsp (30 ml) water. Add hoisin mixture to jackfruit and continue to cook for 5 minutes, until liquid has absorbed and jackfruit has caramelized. Set aside.
10. Once dough has risen, place onto a clean, dry work surface. The dough shouldn’t be sticky but you may need to dust work surface with a tiny bit of flour. With a rolling pin, roll dough out until ¼-in (0.6 cm) thick. Using a 3½‑in (9 cm) cookie cutter or glass, cut dough into 8 rounds. Using remaining ¼ cup (60 ml) vegetable oil and a pastry brush, lightly brush each bao with oil and fold in half to create a half moon. Place folded baos on a parchment-lined baking sheet and cover with a tea towel to rise again for 30 minutes.
11. Prepare a parchment-lined bamboo steamer. Make sure parchment has a few air vents for steam to get through, and spray it with non-stick cooking spray. Place 2 baos into steamer and cover with a lid. Place over a saucepan of boiling water and steam for 10 minutes. Repeat this step until all baos are cooked.
12. To assemble, gently open a bao bun, spread middle with 1 tsp (5 ml) mayonnaise, spoon in some warm jackfruit and garnish with prepared pickled cabbage and onions, cilantro and peanuts.